Incorporated associations are most commonly used by clubs and special interest groups. Incorporated associations — often referred to as non-profit organisations — are not a suitable business structure for a profit driven enterprise as their profits, if any, can only be used to promote its objectives which cannot include profit making.

A cooperative, like a company, has a separate legal identity to that of its members. Cooperatives are governed by legislation in each of the states and territories. Many of the requirements for cooperatives are unique, such as the requirement that members be active in the business of the cooperative. Inactive members may have their membership cancelled. Cooperatives must either be trading or non-trading. Cooperatives may be subject to restrictions on the use of profits, therefore although they can be used for profit making ventures their suitability for those purposes can be limited.

See Corporate bodies.